Remember the Alamo: Mission San Antonio De Valero Sauvignon Blanc

In 2008, Fall Creek Vineyards in tiny Tow, Texas, released a couple of wines with a mission. They dedicated their 2007 Sauvignon Blanc and 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon harvests to help raise money and awareness for much-needed restoration of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (aka The Alamo). Specifically, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the wines would be directed toward improvements and upkeep of that hallowed Texas icon.

You can still purchase these wines today, bearing a black logo and the Mission San Antonio de Valero pictured smartly on the label. Since Fall Creek wines tend to be quite affordable, this makes them an excellent quaff for everyday consumption.

Pouring a tasting glass, I noticed the Sauvignon Blanc's pale, straw-colored hue right away. The nose is rather slight but smells of citrus: oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Grapefruit is the dominant flavor on the tongue, which gives it a more Californian rather than New Zealand profile. (New Zealand blancs tend to have grassy notes.) The finish brought a light taste of mint. I tried to pair this blanc with huevos borrachos and refried beans and was only partially successful. Generally, drier wines tend to not pair as well with spicy food as slightly sweeter ones; I think Fall Creek's award-winning Chenin Blanc would be a better match. If you're in the Hill Country, a visit to the winery is a very nice, scenic drive, whether motoring from Austin or Fredericksburg, and conveniently located near Llano, home of Coopers, Lairds and Inman's Barbecue.

If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.